ODA Champions Award 2025 Finalists
Each year ODA-Nettverk awards dedicated work supporting the promotion of gender equality and diversity in the tech industry.
The ODA Champion Award is presented to an organization that has embedded diversity and inclusion into its long-term strategy and operations. Through clear goals, measurable results, and active knowledge-sharing, the organization demonstrates that inclusion drives both innovation and sustainability. The award recognizes systematic and documented efforts that extend beyond the company itself, contributing to broader industry and societal impact.
The winner will be announced at ODA Inspiration Day on May 28th. The finalists are:
Candidate 1: Capgemini
Capgemini is a global technology and consulting company that incorporates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) into its global strategy. With a public goal of 40% women across all roles, Capgemini tracks progress through structured initiatives, inclusive leadership training, and transparent reporting. DE&I metrics are tied to leadership accountability and applied across regions and business units.
The company’s internal network, Women@Capgemini, supports development, mentorship, and career growth, while they in partnerships like TENK Tech Camp work to influence young females to choose an education within technology. Capgemini also shares best practices through events such as «Be the First and Get the Future You Want», public discussions & debates, like Arendalsuka, blog posts and their change makers in social media. These efforts reflect an integrated approach to long-term talent development and inclusive innovation.
Candidate 2: Laerdal Medical AS
Laerdal Medical is a global health and medical technology company with a mission to help save one million more lives each year by 2030. To support this goal, the company integrates sustainability and inclusion into its operations, product development, and culture. Laerdal Medical has reached 40% women in leadership and aims to reach 50%. They have sustainability goals linked to company-wide incentive systems.
Laerdal Medical also applies inclusion in their product design, such as creating simulators with diverse skin tones to improve training effectiveness across global settings. The company promotes responsible practices through supplier awards and collaboration, such as a sustainability awards to vendors and partners. They share their experience through public platforms and partnerships, linking inclusive innovation directly to the broader mission of saving lives.
Candidate 3: Upheads AS
Upheads is a Norwegian IT company that has made inclusion and purpose a core part of its long-term strategy. With a female CEO and 50% women in its leadership team, the company has taken measurable steps to improve gender balance. Since 2017, Upheads has increased its number of female employees from 5 to 33 women, supported by inclusive recruitment practices, updated branding, and a focus on internal role models.
Inclusion is integrated across activities, from family-friendly and alcohol-free events to the prioritization of female speakers at company events. The company shares its approach publicly through media, podcasts, and leadership visibility. With the internal motto “IT with purpose”, Upheads works to make technology careers accessible and meaningful, particularly for underrepresented groups.
See the other category finalists:
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